REVIEW: ALLISON IRAHETA - JUST LIKE YOU

American Idol's Allison Iraheta surely got the last laugh on the boys this time around. She avenges her third runner-up placing with a debut album superior to those of the male opponents who outshone her all through season eight of the reality show. Just Like You is a female pop-rock lover's dream, containing the calibre of material that heavy hitters in the genre like Kelly Clarkson, P!nk and Katy Perry should be recording but aren't. What makes Iraheta stand out from other more successful female artists in her age group (she's only 17) is that she has the technique and emotional depth to give the material the type of true substance that would appeal to grown-ups like me. Did I mention also that she plays the guitar? Those pictures you see of her in the booklet aren't just playtime.

First single Friday I'll Be Over U (featured here previously) has failed to make a dent in terms of airplay or digital sales, but the Max Martin-produced track stands on its own as a gem. But the goodness doesn't end there. Wait 'til you hear arena-rocking Robot Love, which interpolates Gary Glitter's classic Rock & Roll parts 1 & 2; this is sampling done right. The album's title track, another Martin contribution, pulls things back a notch and has a place on Hot Adult Contemporary radio. Don't Waste The Pretty would have you convinced that you were listening to B-Side off of P!nk's career-changing Missundaztood album, with its message of self-love. She advises young women not to invest their emotional resources on unappreciative guys. Scars is heartfelt and single-worthy, but again Iraheta is bound to be confused for P!nk with the unfamiliar listener. And later in the album, she actually fully becomes P!nk in taking over a track co-written by that one and American Idol judge Kara DioGuardi, titled No One Else.

NINE: POSTERS REVEALED

Cinematical has just leaked these two official posters for Rob Marshall's Nine, which is due in theatres Friday, December 18, 2009. Both are equally gorgeous and as previously noted, I am extremely excited for this film. Which version do you prefer?

Without even being released, the film's principal cast of Daniel Day-Lewis, Sophia Loren, Judi Dench, Fergie, Penélope Cruz, Nicole Kidman, Marion Cotillard and Kate Hudson, just won the award for Best Ensemble Cast at the 14th annual Satellite Awards. Yes!

EDITOR'S NOTE

Hello Mavenati,

I'd like to extend a warm welcome to my new readers and a high five to my loyal readers. As some of you may know, I launched MR. WILL-W.: POP MAVEN this past September in tandem with the Toronto International Film Festival. Soon after that, I received an opportunity to be the official festival correspondent for popular Toronto station CP24 based on the work featured on my blog. Many wonderful things have happened since then including being interviewed over at E! Online too.

I want you to know that I am an avid supporter of many other fine blogs, as you can see under the LINKS section. It touches me every time I see one of my postings quoted or linked. It gives me an incredible sense of validation and it brings me great satisfaction to know that my opinion is respected. I believe strongly in sharing and contributing ideas and hope that you too as readers will be generous with your feedback... as long as it's constructive.

I am now proud to say that this blog has gone from just a handful of visitors a day in its launch phase to now in excess of 500+ visitors daily. I realize this isn't a huge number in the grand scheme of things, but nonetheless, I am appreciative of your interest and support. I hope to continue providing you an entertaining escape from your daily routines because we all need one now and then.

Also, if you look on the right side of my blog, you'll find various other links about some of my other work. Some of you might recognize some of my music, especially if you're in the Toronto or Ottawa area. My latest single Hollywood Ending (Aaron Paetsch Radio Edit) is a certified stomper, which is already getting airplay and I invite you to check it out. Some of you might recognize me from my YouTube Channel, which has ranked as one of the most viewed Canadian channels on multiple occasions. Some of you might recognize my writing and photography from the amazing blogs I've contributed to like Arjan Writes and EQ.

Regardless how you found me, I am grateful to have you aboard here and hope you'll stick around for more. I promise not to disappoint. Why not stay in-the-loop by adding yourself as a Follower at the top left corner of the page or link me up on your Blogroll? Go for it!

xW

WOLVES, DOGS AND FOXES

There's not much new to report in terms of Weekend Box Office results. As predicted, The Twilight Saga: New Moon continues to hammer its competition, pulling in an outstanding $42.5 million in its second week. In two weeks, the film has grossed $230 million.

My personal favourite The Blind Side, continues to perform strongly based on strong word-of-mouth, earning $40 million in its second week. This marks an 18% increase from last week for the Sandra Bullock-headlined sports drama.

Debuting this week in fourth was Buena Vista's Old Dogs which was unable to duplicate the success of 2007's similarly-marketed Wild Hogs, earning $16.8 million. Not even a strong cast that included Matt Dillion, John Travolta and Robin Williams could save this one.

Fox's animated feature The Fantastic Mr. Fox brought in $7 million in ninth spot this past weekend, after having expanded into 2,000 theatres. Despite rave reviews and it featuring the voices of George Clooney and Meryl Streep, the film appears to be underperforming considering its $40 million budget.

Also worth a mention is The Weinstein Company's The Road, which earned a healthy $1.5 million from 111 theatres in eleventh spot. This one is getting a great amount of Oscar buzz and will be expanding over the next few weeks. Don't forget to check out my review of it here.

REVIEW: THE ROAD

The Road is not a happy film. Directed by John Hillcoat and based on the novel by Cormac McCarthy, the story takes place after a disaster of apocalyptic proportions occurs, leaving Viggo Mortensen (Man) and talented newcomer Kodi Smit-McPhee (Boy), in a fight for survival. The father and son are abandoned by Woman, played by Academy Award-winner Charlize Theron who struggles to cope with disaster as the wife/mother. The film cuts back and forth between past and present, illustrating when times were happier in Man and Woman's relationship versus the gray-hued present.

The heart of the story centers around the relationship between father and son as they are faced with moral challenges in the fight to survive versus being killed off by others also struggling to stay alive. They head on a journey southbound where it is believed that hope for change awaits. Along the way, Man gives himself selflessly for the love of his son and there are quite a few moments where the emotions expressed between Mortensen and Smit-McPhee absolutely hit home. He lives unconditionally for his son despite there being no real reason to go on.

REVIEW: LADY GAGA THE MONSTER BALL (TORONTO)

Toronto's Air Canada Centre was chosen asthe second stop-off on Lady Gaga's self-headlined The Monster Ball tour. It was her main objective to give fans an expensive-looking show at an affordable price considering that she was originally to co-headline the Fame Kills tour with rapper Kanye West. As we are aware, those plans were kiboshed as he opted to take a mental rest leaving Lady Gaga to her own devices. Headlining an arena tour for an artist who has been in the game just over a year is almost unheard of, but she has accomplished just that already. Above this, she sold out completely here in Toronto, leaving no doubts to how popular she has gotten in this short amount of time.

Lady Gaga drilled home a few very important points repeatedly to the audience this evening at what she calls her "pop-electro opera": 1) She hates money. In fact she claims to be "broke", having invested most of her earnings into her own videos and shows. 2) She is very grateful to Canadian fans as we made her debut album The Fame and single Just Dance number one before any other market. 3) She is obsessed with becoming a better artist every day because she has "the best fucking fans". 4) If you don't like her show, you can "get the fuck out". Very poignant, indeed.

Finally arriving on stage at 10:30 PM after two opening acts Semi Precious Weapons and Kid Cudi (admittedly mismatched) warmed up the crowd, Lady Gaga arrived in-persona and full of her signature bravado. Surprisingly, the band was nowhere to be seen and there seemed to be much dependence on backing tracks, except for slow numbers where she played the piano; she came armed with a tight-knit team of dancers. The show was very simply laid out with much visual focus being placed on three LED screens on-stage where abstract vignettes were projected onto between songs. The first half of the show focussed almost exclusively on new material from her The Fame Monster disc and despite having been released only Tuesday, most of the audience already knew how to sing along to the tracks.

To view more pics from The Monster Ball, click here.

Opening number Dance in the Dark was performed behind a grid screen, which started the show on a bit of a distant note and this I felt, plagued parts of The Monster Ball. Lady Gaga performs much of the show too far away from the audience perhaps. This may be a result of the stage's design, as it is intended to make the concert look as if it is a work of art within in a frame. I will not take anything away from her though as truly she gave it her all tonight, frequently making efforts to connect with her audience asking "Canada, how are you doing?". She went on also to perform hits Just Dance, Love Game and Monster to the enthused audience which was primarily female, although there were a good number of male fans and families in attendance too. Above this, her singing was all live and she was able to do so while dancing through most of her show.

MININOVA.ORG: THE END OF AN ERA

It is a sad day for those of you who use Bit Torrent Peer-to-Peer File Sharing platform Mininova. In a statement issued on its website, it is indicated that Mininova will be limiting its services strictly to content distribution only, i.e. artists looking to distribute their work with other existing users of the site.

Despite its efforts to create a filter to restrict certain titles (i.e. film, album, television show, software) from being shared on its site, it was found that there was no foolproof method of ensuring that filter's effectiveness. This decision is being made in compliance with a ruling made August 2009 by the Dutch Court of Utrecht which deemed Mininova unlawful. It would be interesting to see what the MPAA and RIAA have to say about temporary file storage sites like Mediafire, Yousendit, Zshare, Hotfile, Sendspace, Megaupload, Rapidshare.... ad nauseam.

LEONA LEWIS IN TORONTO

Lovely Leona Lewis flew in to Toronto to do a round of promotions for her Sony Music sophomore release Echo, appearing on MuchMusic's popular MuchOnDemand program. The X-Factor winner turned international superstar is best known for her worldwide number one hit Bleeding Love, which made her the third British female artist only to ever top the Billboard Hot 100 Chart. To date, Lewis has sold 6.5 million albums worldwide and in the UK, Echo debuted at number one again last week selling 161,000 copies. This of course, is far off the mark set by her first album Spirit which sold 375,000 there in its first week. The album however, has not fared as well in the U.S., debuting at number 13 with 68,000 copies sold.

Lewis fielded questions from VJ Devon Soltendieck and confirmed that she is about to embark on her first world tour, although North American dates have yet to be announced. She is currently residing in London, although she did reside temporarily in Los Angeles last year while recording Echo, as many of her producers were American-based. She did mention also that it was a great pleasure working with Ryan Tedder and that she admired Simon Cowell very much as she can count on him to "tell it as it is".

I did manage to get in close with her and she is quite gorgeous in-person; very soft-spoken. Luckily, I also got her to autograph my copy of Spirit. To be honest, I have given Echo a couple spins and not many of the tracks stuck with me as she opted for more of a rock direction on this album. I don't feel that this was as suited to her as the R&B-lite sound on Spirit. The album takes few risks and borders perhaps on being a little too "mature" for an album by a 24 year-old pop artist. The essence of pop music is that it should always be fun/entertaining and I just never got this out of Echo. I am however a huge fan of her track Max Martin-produced I Got You (featured on this blog previously) which hasn't been confirmed as a single yet. I would definitely be interested in seeing Lewis on tour, so I'll be keeping a tab on further announcements to come.

For more pics I got from Lewis' visit today, visit my Facebook gallery here.

SUSAN BOYLE > LADY GAGA/ADAM LAMBERT/RIHANNA/SHAKIRA

Astonishing. Early album sales projections for the current week have surfaced at Hits Daily Double and Susan Boyle will be the clear winner by a landslide. It is estimated that her Sony Music debut I Dreamed a Dream will sell in-excess of 600,000 copies, making it one of the biggest selling albums of 2009, let alone being the biggest selling debut album of the year. This woman does not cease to amaze me and if you haven't checked out her amazing work on the disc, please do.

Lady Gaga also is no slouch in terms of sales with the re-release of her debut album The Fame, titled The Fame Monster expected to push approximately 350,000 copies (200,000 in its Deluxe Edition format and 150,000 in its single disc EP format). This is my favourite album of 2009 and her commercial success is an accomplishment well-deserved; she is the Lady of Pop. I am unsure though if the two album formats will be tracked separately on the Billboard Hot 200 Album Chart seeing that they are being released under the same title. My guess is that the totals can be combined.

Adam Lambert seems to be getting publicity much ado about nothing for his male-male kiss/simulated oral sex stunt at Sunday night's American Music Awards. He is expected to post sales of 200,000+ for his debut album from RCA Records For Your Entertainment, deeming him a commercial success for the Idol franchise. The series has produced more misses than hits in recent seasons.

PRODUCT WATCH: BLACKBERRY BOLD 9700

Those of you who follow MR.WILL-W.: POP MAVEN regularly might have noticed a new section called Product Watch, in which I recommend new products that have hit the market. This is not to say that I am veering the focus from pop culture, because that is the heart and soul of this blog. More so, I am diversifying. I mean, who doesn't love to shop? I know I do.

I just acquired the amazing BlackBerry Bold 9700 last night and I must say that this is hands down, the best phone I have ever owned. I know that many of my readers are avid iPhone users judging by my visitor reports and power to you if this is your preference. I simply am a bit clumsy and can barely navigate my iPod Touch when doing cardio at the gym. I'm constantly accidentally selecting songs when I am moving about with the iPod Touch in my pocket. I also do not need applications and games and already know all the Starbucks in my area and the people I see on those iPhone dating site applications are the same ones I see everywhere else. Quite simple, I use my phone to text, e-mail, browse my favourite websites and talk, although I do very little of the latter. I am an avid Texter.

NEW MUSIC: KELIS - ACAPELLA

Kelis has been pretty quiet since her departure from Arista Records, which was responsible for propelling her to stardom with international hit Milkshake. A new single surfaced online today from the R&B singer/songwriter and it is produced by red-hot French DJ/producer David Guetta. Guetta of course, brought us two of this summer's biggest hits When Love Takes Over (Kelly Rowland) and I Got a Feeling (Black Eyed Peas). The streak doesn't appear to be coming to a halt any time soon as this new single from Kelis titled Acapella sounds every bit a hit too.

Many will note that the track contains similarities to the Giorgio Moroder-produced classic I Feel Love (Donna Summer), which has inspired many great moments in pop music like Kylie Minogue's Light Years and Madonna's Future Lovers. Lyrically, Acapella is a metaphor for how bare Kelis' life was before her son Knight came into her life; he added the music to her life and made it complete. Definitely lots of potential here and a track to listen out for. Kelis' next studio album will be released early 2010 through Geffen Records.

Listen below to Acapella by Kelis (courtesy of Geffen Records/Universal Music):

MARIAH WINS BREAKTHROUGH PERFORMANCE AWARD

A big congratulations goes to my idol Mariah Carey for winning the Best Breakthrough Performance Award at the 21st Palm Springs International Film Festival. According to The Hollywood Reporter, she will be flying there January 5, 2010 to receive her award, silencing her biggest critics and anyone who doubted she can indeed act. Although, I have posted about it many times, Precious: Based on the Novel "Push" by Sapphire is one of the most important films to come out in quite some time. It is a story about surviving even when the odds are stacked against you completely. Small victories count just as much as big victories do.

And for the record, I will admit that I have seen Glitter a whopping 13 times ....and I loved it. Perhaps the underperformance of her latest album Memoirs of an Imperfect Angel (selling 315,000 over the past two months) was just meant to be so that Carey can truly enjoy this moment and further develop her still-burgeoning acting talent. Above is a photo I got of Carey giving director Lee Daniels a hug at the gala for Precious this past September at TIFF.

REVIEW: BEYONCÉ - I AM... YOURS - AN INTIMATE PERFORMANCE AT WYNN LAS VEGAS

I was fortunate enough to attend Beyoncé's Molson Amphitheatre show in Toronto this past July and it was definitely one of the best concerts I've ever witnessed. The choreography, the singing, the tight musical direction, the lighting... everything was on-point. For some odd reason though this just doesn't translate on the just-released CD/DVD set I Am... Yours - An Intimate Performance at Wynn Las Vegas.

On the two audio disc/one DVD set, you get a career-spanning selection of Beyoncé's best work from condensed versions of her Destiny's Child work to her Grammy-winning work from her three solo albums to-date. One crucial mistake made on this recording of the show is track order. Although we learn in the behind-the-scenes portion of the DVD titled What Happens In Vegas, that it was Beyoncé's intention to create an intimate, all-bout-the -music atmosphere with this show, the first half of the concert simply is too cluttered with ballads. Don't get me wrong because I love Halo, Irreplaceable, If I Were a Boy and Satellites. I just don't want them back to back to back for 50 minutes. The arena version of the show I saw kicked off with a bang starting with mega-hit Crazy in Love opening the show on a high note. On this DVD though, the fun stuff including the ultra-catchy Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It) is saved for the ending. Baffling.

At this Las Vegas show, fans were also treated to a segment customized for the intimate atmosphere. Déjà Vu was given the jazz treatment complete with a couple minutes' worth of scatting from Beyoncé, which for me was neither here nor there. She did make an effort though and I will give her credit for this.

FAREWELL, HAYDAIN NEALE

At just 39 years-old, one of Canada's most successful soul/R&B artists Haydain Neale of BMG Records Canada act Jacksoul, passed away yesterday. He had undergone a very private seven month-long battle with Lung Cancer. Jacksoul are responsible for hits in Canada like Someday and Can't Stop, which still get a considerable amount of airplay on Adult Contemporary/Hot Adult Contemporary radio.

I had the pleasure of meeting Neale on a couple occasions and remember him as being a very down-to-earth guy. This picture to the left is one of I took of him and a friend at a party I attended late 2006. He also recorded occasionally at my producer Robin's studio here in Toronto and I remember Robin calling me one day to tell me that he played Neale one of my earlier tracks titled I Won't Understand for him. Neale liked the track a lot and told Robin to pass on the word to me to "keep up the good work". Although very indirect, it is a memory that sticks in my head to this day. It encouraged me to stick at it with my own music.

This is all so sudden. I send my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Neale. Jacksoul are to release their new album SOULmate December 1, 2009 in Canada.

THE AMERICAN MUSIC AWARDS - A 1.5 MINUTE RECAP

It's been an extremely busy day on the blog from naked Babydaddys to a review about a football film. You cannot criticize me for not trying to branch-out! I'm not going to go into too much detail, but as per multiple requests over Facebook Chat and text messages to my Blackberry, I am going to re-cap for you my highlights of tonight's American Music Awards. No nonsense, just straight to-the-point.

• Janet Jackson opening the show with a mimed medley of hits that included her latest track Make Me (not technically a hit) from her just-released Number Ones compilation. It appears that Jackson is back to the original weight she was at when she released her ground-breaking Control album and I love it. She looks healthy and content.
• Need I mention how amazing Lady Gaga is? Her medley of new hit single Bad Romance and Freddie Mercury-esque ballad Speechless was the highlight of the show. I do think though that her costume would have looked better with claws. I admit I was a little petrified seeing her play on a flame-ignited piano, as it looked as though her wig would get singed at any moment. I'm still trying to figure out what the deal was with the breaking of the empty (fake sugar-glass) Johnny Walker bottles. And yes, I feel truly that she was robbed of the Breakthrough Artist award which went to country band Gloriana. I'm so ready for her Toronto show this Saturday!
• It was amazing seeing Whitney Houston's celebrated performance of I Didn't Know My Own Strength from her I Look To You album. Although her vocals were all over the place, certainly she is getting there slowly but surely....
• Jennifer Lopez was stunning in her mimed performance of new single Louboutins. Yes, she did fall on stage after climbing on-top of her male dancers (as seen in the photo below), but being the consummate professional she is, she made it look deliberate and carried on. It is ironic though that she was wearing a pair of Louboutins and fell in them; product placement gone wrong.
• Although I am not a fan of the track, Jay-Z and Alicia Keys' performance of Billboard Hot 100-topping Empire State of Mind was quite enjoyable. The New York, New York intro was a nice touch.
• Shakira is always a pleasure to watch and although I have my doubts about her choice for the second single off She Wolf, her performance of Give It Up To Me was stellar... as usual.
• Rihanna's new album Rated R sucks. She can call it "art" all she wants, but it still sucks. And seeing her perform a track live did not make it suck less.
• Is it just me or does Mary J. Blige's new track I Am sound like a Mariah Carey B-side?
• I love Kelly Clarkson but she really needs to step-up her game. Her performance of single Already Gone was far from engaging.

REVIEW: THE BLIND SIDE

Let me start off by saying that I know nothing about football - English and American. When I heard that Sandra Bullock had a new football-themed film coming out, I was neither here nor there about seeing it. However, after the great reviews kept pouring in for screenwriter/director John Lee Hancock's The Blind Side, I could deny it no more.

This film is based on the true story of gargantuan Baltimore Ravens Offensive Left Tackle (whatever that means!) Michael Oher, who came from an impoverished upbringing in Memphis. He was given an opportunity to attend a private school based on his physical potential to be a football player. He is played by unknown actor Quinton Aaron with great sensibility. Watching him progress from a state of silent vulnerability to a young man who finds his own voice, is an unforgetable experience. Right away, I found myself rooting for this unlikely hero from start to finish.

Oher is taken-in by wealthy couple, Leigh Ann and Sean Tuohy, played by Bullock and country mega-star Tim McGraw, who are responsible for turning his life around. Although, McGraw is still earning his mark in Hollywood as a bona fide actor, I have always found Bullock a fine actress. It is her choice of roles which have both boosted her commercial popularity, yet hindered her critical success at the same time. Let's be real - films like Miss Congeniality and The Proposal just aren't going to get Oscars push. This film however, is Bullock's Erin Brokovitch and it would be a shame if her name was not at least thrown around come awards season because she is incredible as Tuohy. She commands each scene with a no-nonsense attitude and her unconditional love for her family, including Oher, leaves you walking away from the movie wanting to be a better person. In fact, I saw a kid who didn't have enough money to pay for his candy at Metro afterwards and I dug into my pocket and spotted him $3.00 for his Gummy Bears. Yes, Bullock is that deeply affecting here.

LEVI JOHNSTON NAKED. SORTA.

So the photos from Levi Johnston's Playgirl photoshoot have leaked and the reactions are quite mixed. Early buzz indicated that former U.S. Vice Presidential Candidate Sarah Palin's daughter Bristol's Babydaddy (how's that for a title?) would be posing nude.... frontally. The photos which have surfaced have proven otherwise, although this was hinted at last week by Playgirl's Daniel Nardicio. Yes, the same Daniel Nardicio who stated on his former radio show DList Radio that I resembled The Pregnant Man, Thomas Beattie. He meant it lovingly of course, because he finds Beattie attractive in that tranny-like way. And he is a supporter of my music, having referred to me as a "class act".

From a photographic standpoint, I think photographer Greg Weiner did a very tasteful job. Comparatively speaking with other photos on Playgirl's website, of course. The photos have a sense of eroticism, yet also a classic, impish quality at the same time. Yes, Johnston does look a bit awkward in some of the poses, but that can be overlooked considering his modeling inexperience. If I looked as good as Johnston does and wanted to capitalize off it, I'd do it too frankly. 19 year-old guys with no real world skills can't raise the grandchild of a former Alaskan governor with a part-time Barista job at Starbucks alone. I hope though that he really is engaging financial advisers to manage his new-found wealth. We all know how we were with our money at that age - need I mention "student loans"?

Sarah Palin of course has spoken out publicly about her disappointment in Johnston for "aspiring to be in porn" because apparently she herself is above the act of self-compromise in the name of celebrity.

ONTD: Politics did host the complete photo set here, but it now appears that they have been asked to remove the photos. If you look hard enough via Google Images, I'm sure you'll find something, Pervs.

BUFF VAMPIRES 1, AWFUL DISASTER FLICK 0

So apparently there's some obscure, low-budget film called The Twilight Saga: New Moon out and it did just okay this weekend. Just kidding. tee-hee. The Summit Entertainment film actually did more than okay. In fact, it shattered the all-time record for biggest opening day ever for a film, earning $72.7 alone on Friday night. The previous record holder for biggest opening day film was The Dark Knight at $67.2 million. The Twilight Saga: New Moon's overall tally was a jaw-dropping $140.7 million this past weekend, proving that people really do want to see a bunch of shirtless, buff guys speaking really monotone for two hours.

Warner Bros.' sports drama The Blind Side starring Box Office sweetheart Sandra Bullock, was a distant second, earning an outstanding $34.5 million, which would place it well ahead of its competition on any other weekend. Although I'm sure many of these ticket sales were a result of movie-goers not being able to get in to see New Moon, thus resorting to an alternative. The film's reviews are actually quite positive overall, so my interest has been peaked.

The terrible 2012 which dominated last weekend, experienced a dramatic slip in dropping to third spot at a still impressive $26.5 million. The film was so awful I refuse to devote any mor....

Sony/Columbia Pictures' animated feature Planet 51 also made a noteworthy debut this weekend in fourth place, taking in $12.6 million, which would likely mean a significant loss for the studio. The film features the voices of Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, The Mac Guy - Justin Long and Jessica Biel and the reviews are scathing generally.

Word-of-mouth continues to spread about Precious: Based on the Novel "Push" by Sapphire pulling in $11 million from just 627 theatres alone, landing it in sixth spot. In limited release alone, it has made $21.4 million in three weeks, which is more than many movies will make in a theatrical run. The reviews continue to get better and better and critical consensus site Rotten Tomatoes now has the film at an overwhelmingly positive 91% rating, making it one of the best rated films of 2009. It is the one to beat in the match for Best Picture at the 2010 Oscars.

REVIEW: SUSAN BOYLE - I DREAMED A DREAM

BLOODY AMAZING. Having broken pre-sale records over at Amazon.Com already, overnight sensation Susan Boyle's debut album I Dreamed a Dream is finally set for release. Truly, we've had limited opportunities to see Boyle perform only, so one would think that her range is limited to showtunes based on those YouTube clips that have circulated to your inboxes and Facebook accounts. I Dreamed a Dream however, puts to rest any doubts to whether or not Boyle is indeed a bona fide commercial artist, because she is.

Super-producer Steve Mac (Il Divo, Leona Lewis) does an impeccable job overseeing production on this covers collection, considering the short amount of time given to rush the album into stores for the holidays. Boyle and Mac have recorded an album which neatly cuts a slice of the pie which Barbra Streisand and Céline Dion fans hunger for. Its timing couldn't be more perfect considering that the former recently topped the Billboard Hot 100 with her latest album Love is the Answer. This proves that the demand for female crooners is still very much alive today in a market dominated by younger urban, rock and country acts. Arrangements are rich on grand piano and strings, making the 12 track opus is a slice of heaven for me considering my weakness for the latter. The focus undoubtedly is always Boyle's angelic mezzo soprano.

DAUL KIM: TRAGEDY OF A SUPERMODEL

The fashion world lost one of its brightest stars today - 20 year-old supermodel Daul Kim. It was confirmed that Kim hanged herself in her Paris flat. Born in South Korea and raised in Malaysia and Singapore, Kim was an avid member of the Blogspot community also, with her art/photography/music/autobiographical blog I Like To Fork Myself.

In her four year career, Kim had shot to stardom quickly. In 2008 she was ranked among the world's Top 20 supermodels, having appeared in editorial spreads for first tier publications like Vogue, i-D and Elle. She has also modeled for the likes of Alexander McQueen and more recently, Christopher Kane for UK's Topshop. It doesn't get much better than that for a model, let alone a model from Asia.

Scrolling through some of her older blog entries, she had hinted at signs of Depression, including this entry from August 2009 where she posted about feeling "bullied" by her fellow Koreans, whom have criticized and labeled her work as "pornography". More recently on October 30, she offered some insight on the pressures of being pulled in multiple directions, constantly trying to satisfy her agent. All she wanted to do was DJ that night and it did not go over very well. Kim's final blog entry was posted last night, a YouTube link in an entry titled say hi to forever, leaving little room for speculation whether or not her death was in fact planned.

Ending one's own life is the greatest disservice one can do to humanity and better yet, one's self. Suicide is not the answer. We all have an non-negotiable obligation to live. The world will never know Daul Kim's true potential and now instead, will remember her for all the wrong reasons. Tragic.

AN OPEN LETTER TO PEREZ HILTON RE: LADY GAGA SNUB

Dear Perez,

You are a legend amongst bloggers and nobody can take that away from you ever. I have great respect for your work ethic and your opinion, but sometimes I read your postings and just scratch my freshly Aveda-conditioned head. Case in point, I read your entry this morning on my Blackberry regarding Lady Gaga’s “ridiculous” snubbing in the Best New Artist category at the 2010 Grammy Awards.

Upon looking into this further, I found that the cut-off date for 2009 Grammy Awards consideration was September 30, 2008. Lady Gaga’s debut The Fame we know, was released November 15, 2008 in the U.S. So yes, I do see your point in why she should be considered eligible, but how is her ineligibility a fault of The Grammys? Rules are rules.

Should you not instead be blaming Lady Gaga’s connections for not being more cognizant of the guidelines? That is their job after all, is it not? They had no issue submitting debut single Just Dance for a nomination in the Best Dance Recording category last year. It is due to this previous nomination that she has been voided of Best New Artist eligibility. So my question to you is, how would it be fair to new artists who actually made their debuts "legitimately" during the 2010 Grammys qualification period, seeing that Lady Gaga essentially had almost a year’s head start on them?

REVIEW: AGNES - DANCE LOVE POP

21 year-old Swedish pop sensation Agnes is a very accomplished pop star in Europe and Australia already. North Americans however, are still unfamiliar with this Swedish Idol winner on the whole. This will change however in 2010 with Cherrytree Records overseeing her official stateside debut, Dance Love Pop. That label was responsible for introducing important acts like Robyn, La Roux, Keane, Feist and Lady Gaga to America.

Dance Love Pop is actually Agnes' third studio effort and despite having read much praise about her via many fellow bloggers, I went into the refrigerator with low expectations seeking a generic can of diet pop. Instead I came out with a decadent Ice Cream Float complete with all the fixings - sweet Maraschino Cherry vocals and whipped cream of the crop production, thanks to Anders Hansson. Hansson was responsible for some of the stunning work featured on Cher's 2002 album Living Proof.

The album begins with the excellent Release Me, borrowing a little from that famous string line heard on Coldplay's Viva La Vida. The single has done very well in the UK reaching number three and it has already found success in the U.S. reaching number one on Billboard's Hot Dance Club Play Chart. Its soaring chorus is instantly memorable as Agnes pleads to be set free from a toxic relationship since "she's not able to", much in the same vein as The Supremes' and then Kim Wilde's You Keep Me Hangin' On.

REVIEW: LADY GAGA - THE FAME MONSTER

For those of you who frequent my blog, you know that my reviews are as honest as possible. I do not hand out praise where it is not due. So without wasting your time on unnecessary drivel, I will tell you with confidence that we are witnessing the rise of an international megastar. She's historic.

Lady Gaga is the most fascinating presence in pop music today and although I do have my minor annoyances with her, she has won my heart with her music alone of late. I have been going on for weeks about Lady Gaga's eight track album The Fame Monster and even though it is condensed by today's standards of an album, it is the greatest pop release of 2009. Each track is outstanding here and it is simply just a matter of how outstanding they are relative to one another. I loved her debut album The Fame. I am however, in love with The Fame Monster.

Bad Romance has the world humming along in unison right now and second single Telephone featuring Beyoncé surely will duplicate if not, surpass that first single's success. Alejandro as mentioned previously, is theatrical and over-the-top in its '90s-obsessed Ace of Base goodness. Title track Monster is reminiscent of Akon and Kardinal Offishall's recent hit Dangerous and it is undeniably infectious in its own right. The album's lone rock ballad Speechless is a refreshing break from the glossy over-production we have become accustomed to in Lady Gaga's music. Dance In The Dark admittedly is still growing on me and it is consistent with the album's theme of liberation through dancing, as is the case with Telephone and So Happy I Could Die. Teeth has a folk-bluesy sound resembling something off a KT Tunstall album; the only track to sounds out-of-place in the least bit. Nonetheless, this track does showcase her diversity as a songwriter and I can appreciate this.

1984 saw Madonna's career-defining rise to the top with her Like a Virgin album. 2009 will see something comparatively legendary in Lady Gaga's The Fame Monster. The album will be in stores via Interscope Records/Universal Music on November 24, 2009. Grade: A+

THE END OF THE WORLD

I am not going to mention how that awful film topped this weekend's Box Office tally, destroying its competition with over $65 million in ticket sales. What I will comment on is how Precious: Based On the Novel "Push" By Sapphire continues to amaze at the Box Office in limited release, pulling in $6 million from just 174 theatres. Yes, the film really is that amazing - just you wait your turn when it expands to your city.

Disney's A Christmas Carol (2009) continues to perform impressively, pulling in $22 million in its second week. Also, of note was Focus Features' Pirate Radio which debuted in eleventh spot with $2.9 million from 882 theatres. The '60s era film however, was made for $50 million, resulting in a severe hit for Focus Features, which had Oscar hopes surely for the all-star cast film which includes Philip Seymour Hofman, January Jones, Emma Thompson and Bill Nighy.

REVIEW: 2012

OMG. Worst movie. Ever. Director Roland Emmerich's (The Day After Tomorrow) latest action blockbuster 2012 is quite the catastrophe and no, I'm not just referring to the natural disaster the film centers around.

The two and a half hour debacle from Columbia Pictures focuses on recently separated Jackson Curtis (John Cusack) and Kate Curtis (Amanda Peet), the latter who is one of the film's few redeeming qualilties with her genuine performance. Jackson decides to take their two children to Yellowstone National Park for a weekend getaway, where he has a chance encounter with Charlie Frost (Woody Harrelson). It turns out that zaney Charlie happens to have been compiling proof that the world is about to come to an end and the U.S. government is conspiring in failing to inform the public about this. Adrian Helmsley (Chiwetel Ejiofor) is a scientist who is made aware via a tip-off in India, that the world is on the verge of ending and he informs President Tommy Wilson (Danny Glover) of this. A strategy is developed to benefit billionaires around the world in selling them spots on a jumbo airplane designed to transport them to safety amidst world destruction.

There are several confusing and poorly developed subplots in 2012. Jackson and Kate are still in love clearly, but Kate is now living with plastic surgeon Gordon (Thomas McCarthy), who magically knows how to navigate an airplane we learn. Laura Wilson (Thandie Newton) is the daughter of President Wilson and her father sacrifices a spot for her aboard this life-saving jumbo plane. And within moments after her father's subsequent tragic death during the catastrophe, she winds up falling in love with Adrian and shows little remorse over her father's death. What Dad?

GAGA-OBSESSED

.... why the heck not?:')

NEW MUSIC: LADY GAGA FT. BEYONCÉ - TELEPHONE

Jesus, God Almighty. I did hear Lady Gaga and Beyoncé were collaborating together but I wasn't expecting the results to be anywhere near this good. Telephone is produced by famed R&B producer Rodney "Darkchild" Jerkins and it is his best work in quite some time especially after a disappointing string of singles with The Pussycat Dolls. The track was just confirmed today as the next single off Lady Gaga's forthcoming release, Monster.

Beyoncé and Lady Gaga also collaborated on a remix of the former's new single Video Phone, although the results were mixed due to that track lacking any real substance or a melody. They both also recently filmed a video for that remix, which will be appearing on the completely unnecessary release of Beyoncé's I Am...Sasha Fierce (Deluxe Edition).

I'll admit it is pleasant hearing Beyoncé pull back a little here compared to her Destiny's Child days all in the spirit of collaboration. I cannot help but love that Boney M. Euro-sensibility Lady Gaga so proudly pays homage to, as heard on her massive hits Poker Face and Bad Romance. This will be huge. As I was telling Robbie of Chart Rigger, Lady Gaga has made me fall in love so seamlessly of late. It's as if she slipped me a Roofie in my Latte .... and I want more!!!

Hear it below in full (courtesy of Interscope Records/Universal Music):

AN OPEN LETTER TO RIHANNA

Dear Rihanna,

Huge fan of your Good Girl, Gone Bad album here. I realize you are still going through a really difficult time in your life. I couldn’t even imagine what it would be like to go through what you have this past year and to have done it so publicly. I applaud that you are moving on with your life and handling yourself in a dignified manner. You are a positive example not just for young women, but for anyone really.

Let’s be honest though for a second. The three songs that have leaked off your new album Rated R, are a letdown. The sound that you adopted with your last album fit you like a glove and this brought you so much success and so many new fans. It baffles me why you would make such a drastic transition with the sound of this new album. It’s way too dark and although I hate to say it, you are isolating those new fans you worked so hard to gain.

A true “comeback” is about rising above something adverse and moving forward. I’m not quite convinced people really want to see you dwell on the pain, but that is the type of energy your songs are giving off. True - artistic expression is about taking real experiences and making metaphors for life, but your fans want to see you do well. Perhaps if you aren’t ready for this, then this new album could’ve waited a bit longer. I’m honestly not expecting much of Rated R. It’s out in two weeks and I don’t really care.

You do look amazing though, as seen in this new cover for your second single HARD.

xW

http://mrwillw.blogspot.com

REMEMBER THIS

Today, November 11th, is Remembrance Day. I would like to remind you that this day was originated to commemorate the end of World War I. War however, is not something of the past. It is something still very present in our lives as we watch members of our troops sacrifice their lives in Kandahar for our country's honour. Only when this war has finally ended, can we look back truly and "remember". Remember this.

PRODUCT WATCH: BATH & BODY WORKS FESTIVE VANILLA FIG DEEP CLEANSING ANTIBACTERIAL HAND SOAP

Every November I look forward to the launch of Bath & Body Works' Holiday Collection. They have done it again this year with their Festive Vanilla Fig Deep Cleansing Antibacterial Hand Soap. The sensual soap embodies everything the holidays should be about - warmth and cheer.

In fact, my BFF Fran got me so excited about it that I had to have it right away upon hearing about it. So he went all the way to the shop and took the subway up to leave a bag of goodies with my Concierge. As an indication of how amazing this soap is, I gave my friend Shane a bottle the other day and he texted me back last night, "I loves that soap!!!!". Yes, it's that good. Now if I could just stop sniffing my hand like a Crackfiend....

PRODUCT WATCH: JIMMY CHOO FOR H&M

I love H&M. I have been in eager anticipation mode since hearing that designer Jimmy Choo would be designing exclusive pieces for the chain retailer. The collection which launches Saturday, November 14, 2009 at select locations, was unveiled on their website recently and I must say I am a little underwhelmed.

In terms of the Mens' Collection, there is a complete lack of creativity and selection altogether. There are a few pairs of boots being sold in the reasonable $150-200 range (especially considering they bear the Jimmy Choo name). In addition, there are a couple of stunning bags (Messenger and Weekender) at $250 each, while jeans are available in the $75+ range. Times are tough right now and perhaps H&M and Jimmy Choo should have measured the market a little better in terms of offering more middle price range pieces. It's either spend $30 on a plain t-shirt or $129.00 on a generic knit sweater. There is no real in-between. I mean, isn't it truly the spirt of H&M to offer high fashion looks at affordable pricing, or did I miss the memo completely?

NEW MUSIC: LADY GAGA - ALEJANDRO/VIDEO PREMIERE: BAD ROMANCE

Things just aren't slowing down for Lady Gaga at all. Her single Paparazzi has topped the Billboard Top 40 Mainstream Chart, good enough to make it number six on the Hot 100 Chart. Simultaneously, latest single Bad Romance also landed in ninth spot on the Hot 100. And just when you thought you couldn't get enough, yet another track has surfaced - Alejandro.

It was just announced last week that original plans to re-release multi-platinum debut The Fame as The Fame Monster, have been modified slightly. Interscope Records will now be releasing Monster separately as a value-priced eight track album, but also keeping The Fame Monster Deluxe Edition option available to fans who haven't bought her debut yet. Times are tough and it is a brilliant move on their part considering the number of blockbuster albums being released on November 24, 2009.

Alejandro gives a nod to Sweden's Ace of Base at their finest. Coincidentally, Lady Gaga tied them with Paparazzi making her only one of four artists ever in the Billboard era to have four number one singles off a debut album. The Latin theme here picks up where Madonna went with La Isla Bonita and where ABBA had gone with Fernando. It is completely theatrical and over-the-top. I love it. I cannot wait to get my hands on this disc.

Listen to Alejandro by Lady Gaga in full below (courtesy of Interscope Records/Universal Music):

And of course, don't forget to check out this unbelievable just-released video for Bad Romance below, courtesy of Interscope Records:

The video touches upon the theme of human sex trafficking in Russia and is an outstanding effort from director Francis Lawrence (I Am Legend) and once again, Lady Gaga. V. reminiscent of Madonna in her Express Yourself glory.

NEW MUSIC: JULLY BLACK - RUNNING

I must say my friend Arjan Writes called it well earlier today on his blog when he posted the new video from Canada's very own soulful R&B songstress Jully Black. Black indeed is back up and "running" at full force again after her last effort Revival did very well domestically, due much to her big hit Seven Day Fool.

Black's new socially conscious single Running impacted Canadian radio late September and is getting a very respectable amount of airplay. Its infectious hand claps, plucking pizzicatos and of course those catchy backing vocals have me wanting to put this one on repeat. And to be honest I'm a bit of a snob when it comes to Canadian music, which is very much dominated by scruffy-faced/scraggly haired rockers. This means that Running really is that good for me to pay mind to it.

I've had the pleasure of partying with Black on a couple occasions and can say she's really cool and approachable. Here's a pic I got of her glamming it up for the cam just a couple weeks ago:

Jully Black's new album The Black Book is in stores November 24, 2009. Although it isn't the best date to release an album considering everyone and their mother has a new CD out then, I expect it still to be a good one. Give Running a listen below (courtesy of Universal Music Canada):